Method and apparatus for conditioning and supplying water and carbon dioxide to carbonators



c. A. GETZ 2,322,627 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING AND SUPPLYING June 22, 1943.

WATER AND CARBON DIOXIDE T0 CARBONATORS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Nov. 18, 1940 awe/M9011 mar/05116222 June 22, 1943. c; GE-rz METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITIONING AND SUPPLYING WATER AND CARBON DIOXIDE TO CARBONATORS Filed Nov. 18, 1940 70 WA TEE TANK 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 1 inB y, resulting in need j for further Patented June 22, .1943

- UNITED STATES [PATENT orrlcs 7 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONDITION- ING AND SUPPLYING WATER AND CARBON DIOXIDE TO CARBONATORS CharlesA. ,Getz, Glen Ellyn, Ill., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Reconstruction Finance Corporation, Chicago,

United States Application November s, 1940, Serial No. 366,194

23 Claims. (01. 62- 1) This invention relatesto'methods of and apparatus for conditioning and supplying water and carbon dioxide to carbonators used in beverage bottlingplants.

It is the present practice in beverage bottling of plants to deliver to the carbonators water, which is suitable for human consumption, "at temperatures which fallwithin a very narrow range,

usually just above the freezing point. It is nec enemy to exercise this accurate control :of the water temperature in order to obtain a constanti7 uniform, maximum amount of carbonation,

Refrigeration, of course, is required to obtain this accurate control of the water'temperature.

The carbon dioxide vapors are drawn from a bank of cylinders and delivered to the carbonators through pressure regulators which will drop the high pressure prevailing in' the cylinders to the low pressure maintained in the carbonators.

thedesired uniform pressure willnotbe maintained in thecarbonators. K wgThe withdrawal of nothing but carbon This vaporization brings about self-cooling or [self-refrigeration of the remaining liquid. As the temperature of the remaining, liquid drops, the

vapor pressure in the cylinders drops correspondadjustment of the pressure regulators. l

It the discharge of vapors'from th 'cylinders large amounts in carbon dioxide charged com ing atmosphere.

1",, a corporation of the carbon dioxide vapors are'subjected to a throttling effect which produces a drop in ture. Assuming that a constant pressure 8 maintained on the low pressure side of the relulator, the drop in temperature i in proportion to the reduction in pressure.

Carbon dioxide confined in the usual commercial cylinders is subject to and substantiallylcorresponds'with the temperature or the aurr'tiund- At temperatures ranging between 70 F. and 80 F., the vapor pressure of the carbon dioxide in cylinders will be between 854 pounds and 968 ounds per square inch absolute. The vapor pressure maintained in carbonator:

varies in different plants, butfit is'usually below 100 pounds persquare inch. Therefore, it will be appreciated that plants willbe operated, at least at certain periods, with pressure dropslt the pressure regulators of as much as 700 or 8.

pounds. p The cooling orthe vapors resulting from the throttling effect produced by such large pressure drops will lower the temperature of the vapor: below 32 F. and cause' freezing of the water vapors, which frequently are found in "relatively mercial cylinders, passing through the pressure dioxide i vapors from the cylinders causes a corresponding 1 amountof the remaining liquid to evaporate to replace the vapors whichhave been withdrawn.

continues at a proper rate, and iorajsuilicient length 'oi'time, the temperature-of the remaining liquid will be lowered to.-" I 0 F., the temperaturefa't, which the liquid will ,solidify. Further quarters of a starting-charge in a cylinder will result in solidifying the remaining one-quarter. In passing from the high pressure side to the f low pressure side of a pressure regulator, the

discharge fromthesecylinders cannot be ob-. tamed until absorption of heat from the surrounding atmospherey or from sorneartiflcial source, causes sublimation of the solid carbon dioxide. Continuous discharge of aboutthreeregulators with th carbon dioxidevapors. ,Al freezing of water vapor causes faulty operation of the pressure regulators, itis essential, therefore, to provide preheating means for superheating the vapors just before they are delivered to the pressure regulators. l I

The need for handling the heavy cylinders to couple and, uncouple the same with respect to the carbonator equipment, repairing the cylinder couplings, and maintaining the joints sealed againstleakage inpiping systems which, at times, are compelled to handle pressures in excess 0! 1000 pounds per squareinch are itemswhich any plant operator would be more than happy to dispense with. i

'l'heprimary object of this invention is topmvide methods and apparatus for supplying the required amount ofiwater, at the desired constant temperature, to carbonators for beverage bottling plants with a considerably lower consumption of power requiredfor, refrigerating thel'wator and for supplying the carbon dioxide'vapora to the high pressure sides of thepressureregulators for the carbonatorsat a substantially constant pressure and thereby" practically eliminate the the carbonators in bulk storage, preferably a single insulated tank, and within relatively nar- ,1 following description.

row, low vapor pressure and temperature ranges to permit the vapors to be delivered to the high pressure sides of the pressure regulators at the I aforementioned substantially constant pressure. This constant pressure will be sufficiently close to the pressure at which the carbonators are-oper-- ated to prevent the pressure drop within the re ulators from providing sufiicient cooling, as a result of the throttling effect produced by the regulators, to lower the temperature of the vapors to the freezing point of the small amount .of

water vapors present in the carbon dioxide ob- .tained from said low temperature source of bulk v supp y- Another important objectof the invention is I to maintain the carbon dioxide in said bulk storage within said relatively narrow low pressure range by withdrawing vapors from the storage tank until the pressure within ,the tank reaches the minimum value of the range and then withl drawing liquid from the t'ankuntil the pressure rises to the maximum value or therange as a result of normal heat input through the tank insulation and no self-cooling or refrigeration. Duringthe periods when liquid is being withdrawn fromthe storage tank, it is necessary to change the withdrawn liquid to vapor before delivering it to the pressure regulators and their carbonators. 3 p I 7 Still another important object of the invention is to,v pass the carbon dioxide vapors and liquid withdrawn from thewbulk storage tank in heat exchangerelation with some medium which will give up heat oi vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and which will 'superheat the resultant vaporsand the vapors obtained directly from the storage tank for delivery to the pressure reg- ,ulators. The drinking water being delivered to the carbonators has been found to be an ideal Suiiicient heat for 7 Another object of the invention is n; maintain the supply of carbon dioxide-stored in bulk in an insulated tank and at a substantially constant low temperature and pressure so that the need for handling the heavy ;cylinders,repairing cylinder couplings, and maintaining. joints in high pressure piping systems sealed against leakage iseliminated. I

i A further object of the invention isto charge the carbon dioxide into the bulk storage tank, as

= aliquid, at approximately the same low temperature and pressure prevailing in the tank and refrigerating the carbon dioxide in the tank-durlng unusually long shut-down periods of the c:arbonatorsso that a storage tank having a working' pressure of slightly higher value thanthe maximum. pressure of the working range maintained in the system'maybebmpldyed and so that'the carbon dioxide remaining in storage during a shutdown period willbe in proper condition torcsume operation of the bottling plant.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparentduring the course of the in the accompanying drawings forming a part at this specification and in which like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same. i

Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic view of the apparatus of a bottling plant which operates to supply carbon dioxidevapors of substantially constant" pressure to the pressure regulators of carbonators and to supply the drinking water, at a constant temperature, to the carbonators,

Figure 2 is a detail enlarged view, partly in section and partly broken away, of a coil structure employed in a heat exchanger included in the apparatus'disclosed in Fig. 1,

Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the electric wiring system and automatic controls employed with the apparatus disclosed in Fig. l, and

Figure 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but discloses a slightly modified form of apparatus.

In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of iilustration are shown the preferred embodiments of this inventiomand particularly referring to Fig. 1, the reference character 5 designates a bulk storage tan k which is completely enclosed within the relatively thick layer of insulating material 6 for the purpose of retarding to the greatest extent possible the-input of heatfrom the surrounding atmosphere. .The capacity of the bulk storage tank 5 may be that which is most suitable for the bottling plant in which the apparatus embodying this invention is installed. The largest tank so far installed has a capacity for 125 tons of liquid carbon dioxide. However, tanks of considerably lower capacity; i. e., tanks holding 3 '6, and 8 tons, provide an ample L supply of carbon dioxidev for many beverage The ability to )employ bottling plants.

single bulk storage tanks for the amount'of carbon dioxide required by a bottling plant is dependent upon maintaining the stored liquid carbon dioxide below a predetermined maximum pressure which is well below the vapor pressure or liquid carbon dioxide at room temperature, or 70 F. Pressure tanks having A. S. M. E. pressure ratings of 325 pounds have been found to be entirely sat- 'isi'actory if the maximum pressure maintained in the tank does not exceed approximately 300 pounds per. square inch.-

To prevent the vapor pressure of i the liquid carbon dixidestored in the tank from exceeding approximately 300 pounds per square inch, a refrigerating coil 11s located in the vapor space of the tank.. This coil is connected by the pipe lines I to any standard make ofme- 1 chanical refrigerating plant which has a suillcient capacityior the particular tank involved. No attempt has been made to illustrate such a refrigerating' plant as the detailsrof such'a plant form no part of this invention. The refrigerating coil l functions to condense carbon dioxide vapors in the vapor space of the tank 5 and return-the drops of condensation to the liquid .bath within the'tank.

If a maximum pressure of 300 pounds per square inch is to be maintained in the bulk storage tank 5, the carbon dioxide delivered to thebottling plant is transported in bulk and is charged into the storage tank 5 from the trans- .portation vehicles at a pressure which will not materially exceed the maximum pre sure to be maintained within the tank 5. In transa a v 2,322,627 anda pump may be employed in this piping to 1 effect the transfer. The vapor spaces of the two tanks, also, are placed in open communicatlonwith each other, and Fig. 1 of the drawings shows a vapor line 8 with a branch line 9 v for this purpose.

Suitable bleecler valves and safety "disc are.

provided for the bulk storage tank to prevent a dangerous rise in pressure within the tank in case the refrigerating apparatus, notshown,

connected to the cooling coil] is rendered inoperative for any reason.

For the purpose of' delivering carbon dioxide from the bulk storage tank 5 .to the carbonators of the beverage bottling plant, it is the purpose exchangercoil 2|. The lower end of this outer tube 23 is connected to a coupling 31 which has joined thereto a linev38. A T -coupling s39 joins the line 38 to a bypass line and an extension M to the line 38. a

f A combined, shut off valve and air vent 42 is connected in theplpe line 36. A drain valve 43 is connected to the line 38, and the outer tube 23 of the heat exchanger coil 2!, by mean of the 3 coupling 37. A shut off valve M is connected of this invention to alternately withdraw carbon dioxide vapors and liquid} The vapor line ii,

with the branch line 9 properly closed, serves for the withdrawal of vapors. A liquid line I0 is. provided for withdrawing liquid carbon dioxide point relatively close to the bottom of the tank 5.

minimum pressure prevailing within the tank 5.

A pressure operated mercoid switch l3 isplaced in the pipe lineal. The by-passline has con-- nected therein a solenoid valve and a manual-- 13] controlled throttling valve 46. This by-pass line 40 is intendedlto extend to a suitable drain,

or, the like, for discharginginto a sewer or other I meansof disposal. i

t The upper ends of the lines 36 and, are intercohnected by a by-pass 47 which is controlled The vapor line includes a shut off valve I i t which is manually operated and a solenoid valve II which maybe manually operated but which is normally operated as a resultlof a predetermined in communication with the vapor line 8 for a purpose to be explained at a later point.

The liquid line illhas connected therein a manually operable valve i4 and a second valve i5 which may be manually operated but whichnor mally is operated by meansof a solenoid. The

two branch lines .8 and it) are connected to 2.

cornmon carbon dioxide pipeline IGwhich extends to and is connected with astraine'r l1,

' through the pipe line 50.

having a drain is controlled bytheivalve is.

Fromthe strainer I'La carbon dioxide line 20 Fig. 2 discloses the construction of this heat From the lower discharge end of the heat exchanger coil 2 l, a pipe line 24' isprovided for carrymg away the carbon dioxide.

i this line 24 is a shut off valve 25. Beyond the i 'vnlve s a manifold 26 to which abank of car'- bon dioxide cylinders 21 may be connected. From'the manifold, a pipe line 28 extends to the Connected in coil 29 of a heater 3!] which includes a gas jet 3| the source of heat. From the heating coil 2!, aplpe line 32 extends to and i connected with a plurality of branch lines 33 w'hichlead to carflow of electricity to the coil of the by the valve 48.. From the T-coupling 49,.which joins the lin with the by-pass", a pipe line conducts the water to a filter 5i. Thewater discharged from the filter is carried by theeline 52 to a discharge point 53 where the water is .delivered to a cooling coil 54 that is supplied with a refrigerating brine by means of the pipe lines 55. The water, after passing overythe cool- 1 ing coil 54 is collected in a basin 56 and is delivered to a cold water storage tank 51.. A valve 58 i located in the water line 52 .and is controlled by a float 59 so that the passage of waterthrough the line 52 tothe point of discharge 5 3 onto the cooling 001154 is stopped when thewaterin the storage tank 51 reaches a predetermined level.

From the storage tank, thewaterrat thedesired low temperature, is delivered to the carbonators Afloat operated switch ii is located in the water storagetank 51 and, as will be explained at a later point, operates to control the flow of electricity to an electric motor which drives the brine pump forthe lines and also controls the solenoid valve 45 located in the by-pass, 40. s

Before explaining the mode of operation of the. apparatus disclosed inFig. 1, it is believed I to be desirable to first explain the wiring diagram of Fig. 3. The main supply lines ofthis wiring system are designated by the reference characters 6!, 62, and'63. These lines extend to atriple pole, single throw switch 64 which may be manually operated to control the periods of operation. or periods of supply of electricity to the bonatorsTn'ot shown. In each one of these branch lines 33. there is located a pressur regulator 34 which takes the form ducing valve. v a v v I In the form of the invention shown inFi 1,

the fluid employed for heating the'carbon dioxide flowing through the heat exchangercoil 21 is the ofa pressure redrinking water which is ernployed in the carwater line." t is to be understood, however,

owned by or controlled by the bottling company. This water supply lin 35 is connected by a bonatorsqfThej reference character .35 ,designates a pipe line which bears thelegend City thatthis pipe -line35 may extend from any other suitable source of supply,-such as a private well refrigerating apparatus for the bulk storage tank. 5 and the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid solenoidlvalves l2 and l5. 7

Extending from the. switch 64 to the motor starter switch or box 65 of the refrigerator motor 66 are the three wires Gla, 52a, and 63a. This re- ;frigerator motor 56 operates the refrigerating apparatus which is connected to the vaporcondensing coil 1 located in the bulk storage tank 8. The refrigerator motor 66 is started and stopped in response to apressure operated mercoid switch 61 which is suitably. associated with the bulk storage tank 5 but not'disclosed structurally in connection therewith. A manual control switch 68 is provided to render" the refrigerator motor controlling mercoid switch 61 inoperative.

'Connectedto the branch lines 62a and a are wires 69. and 1.0 whichform a circuit for the alarmbell 1i and the pressure gauge alum contacts .12.. This switch device l'l2'tunctions to sound the alarm bell -H when the vapor pressure in the bulk storage tank I reaches; a predeter- 3 ract line at to theouter tube 23 or the heat minedmaximum and a predetermined minimum. Branch lines 13 and 14 extend from the lines Ila and 62a to a relay 15. A manual switch 16 is connected inthe line 13 to render the relay l inoperative whenever necessary.

Coils Ma and I5a are associated with'and controlled by the relay 15. The coil l2a is the coil for the solenoid valve 12, while the coil l5a is' 'thecoil for the'so'lenoid valve I5. One side of each one of these coils In and a is connected to the branch line 13. These connections are obtained by the wires 11 and 18, The remaining side of the solenoid coil l2a is connected by the wire 18 to one side of a pair of switch contacts 80. The remaining contact of this pair is connected to a wire 8| which leads to the second a branch wire 14. The second side of the solenoid coil 15a is connected to one contact of a switch 82 by means of the wire 83. .The remaining contact of this second switch is connected by a wire 84 to the wire 8| leading to the branch line 14. Switch blades 85 and Mare-provided for the switch contacts 80 and 82 and these blades are connected to the armature for the solenoid 81 of the relay 15.

T The coil' of this solenoid 81 is in circuit with the wires 13 and I4 and includes a series connected, pressure operated mercury switch which is illustrated mechanically in Fig. 1 and bears the reference character 13'. As the'mercoid switch only forms a part of the element designated by the reference character l3 in Fig. 1, character l3a will be applied to the switch. I

Branch lines '6lb, 62b and 63b extend from the 7 lines 6!, 62, and 63. Flow of-ele'ctricity through these branch lines is controlled by a triple pole,

single throw manual switch 88. These three lines extend to a motor starter box or switch 89 from which extend the lines 88, Sl and 92 which lead to the electric motor that drives the brine pump connected to the pipes 55 of the cooling coil 54 for the drinking water. A manually operable switch 93may be employed for controlling this motor of the brine pump. Automatic control of the starter switch 89 is obtained by means of the float controlledswitch 6| that is operated by the water level in thestorage tank 51.

through the line 4| and the lines 50 and 52 to I the brine cooling coil 54.

In describing the method carried out by the apparatus of Fig. 1,when controlled by the electrical instrumentalities and their circuits shown in Fig. 3, let'us assume first that the pressure to be maintained in the carbonators; i. e., the carbon dioxide vapor pressure on the low pressure sides of the pressure regulators 34, is 45 pounds per square inch. The pressure in the bulk storage tank will not be permitted to build up to a value over 300 pounds during a prolonged shutdown period. At 300 pounds, the mercoid switch 61 will be actuated for starting'the refrigerator motor 66 by means of the motor starter 65. Actuation of the refrigerator connected to the cooling I coil 1 by the pipe lines 8 will result in condensing age tank during periods of operation are 225 and the tank 5 will allow a period of approximately 200 pounds per square inch. For the maximum pressure of 225 pounds, the temperature of the carbon dioxide within the tank 5 will be approximately 18 F. For the minimum pressure of 200 pounds, the temperature of the carbon dioxide will be approximately -24 F.

With this spread of 75 pounds between the maximum operating pressure of 225 pounds and the pressure at which the refrigerator for the tank 5 cuts in, i. e., at 300 pounds, the normal rate of input of heat through the insulation for 60 hours before the refrigerator will be called upon to lower the pressure within the bulk storage tank. It will be apparent, therefore, that the plant may operate on a five day week and be shut down for 48 hours over a week end without It was stated above that the float controlled switch 6| also controlled the operation of the solenoid valve for the water by-pass 40. The

1 coil 45a of this solenoid valve is illustrated in this ,figure. The wire 94 extends from one side or this solenoid coil to the branch line 62b. The remaining side of this solenoid coil is connected by a wire 95jtothe terminal 96 of the relay 91. The remaining terminal 98 of this relay has a wire'99 connected thereto which extends to the branch line 63b. The coil I80 of the relay 91 is connected to the lines BI and 92 leading from the starter box or switch 89 for the brine pump motor by means of the wires I81 and I82. As a result of this connecting of the relay coil I08 in the lines 91 and 92 leading from the starter box as tothe brine pump motor, the solenoid coil 45a will be energized for opening solenoid valve 45 .to permitthe water to flow through the lay-pass 4| when the brinepump is stopped. This brine pump will be stopped whenwater ceases to flow through the :line52'to the pointof discharge of the water onto the brine cooling coil 54' in response to actuation of the floatcontrolled valve 58. When the brine pump is started, the solenoid coil 45 will be deenergized for closing the solenoid valve745-to compel the water to flow requiring operation of the refrigerator for the stored carbon. dioxide.

Let us now assume that at the time of starting operations on a Monday morning, the pressure within the tank 5 is at approximately 275 pounds. At this pressure, the circuit through the mercoid switch |3a is closed and the solenoid coil l2a for the valve I2 is energized. This valve I2, therefore, is open and the solenoid valve [5 is closed.

Carbon dioxide vapors will flow through the line 8 and'thc line is to the strainer ll. 'From the strainer the vapors will flow through the line 20 to the inner tube 22 of the heat exchanger coil 2!. In passing through this coil, the carbon dioxide vapors will be placedin heat exchange relation with the city water which flows through the line 35 and the line. as to the outer tube a of the coil 2|. Valves 42 and 45 are open to allow for this how of city water. The valve 48 is nor- 'mally closedi I The carbon dioxide vapors and the drinking water will flow concurrently, downwardly throug h the heat exchangercoil 2a and the vapors will absorb sufficient heat from the water to place these two flowing fluids at approximately the same temperature. The carbon dioxide vapors will be superheated and the water will be cooled. The pressure of the superheated carbon dioxide vapors below 32 F. a 7

ing within the bulk storage tank 5. d

t The carbon dioxide vapors, as they leave the heat exchangercoil 2|, will flow through the lines 24 and 28 to the coil 23 of the heater 30 andfrom 2,322,627 vapors will be the same. as the pressureprevailv the entire, range of operation. The complete cycle for the drinking water being delivered to thecarburetors now will be explained.

this coilthrough theline 32 to the several branch heat exchanger to the pressure regulators 34 will besufllciently high to. prevent freezing of water vapors as a result oithe. throttling efiect produced by the regulators 34. It will be appreciated that there is no likelihoodof. water vapors freezing in the pressure regulators 34 because there is practically no water vapor in the extremely low temperatured carbon dioxide in the tank because the heat exchanger coil 2| elevates the The water, as was stated above, normally flows through the lines 35 and 35 to the exchanger coil 2|. From thelower discharge end of the outer as through the lines .41 and so' into the filter 5|.

From, the filter, thewater flows through the line 52 toits point of discharge 53 onto the brine cooltemperature of the vapors to at least the tem-.,

perature of the water passing through. the coil;

The solenoid valve 12 for thetvapor line 3 will remain open until the pressure within the bulk storage tank 5 drops to 200. pounds as a result of selfrefrigeration of the liquid within, the tank. It will be understood that this self-refrigeration is brought about by the evaporation of liquid within the tank to provide vapors to take the place of the vapors withdrawn through the line 8. When the pressure in the tank reaches the minimum of 200 pounds, the mercoid switch |3a is actuated to break the circuit to the solenoid coil 81 and the switch blades 85 and 36 assume the positions illustrated in Fig. 3. When this action takes place, the circuit is closed through the, solenoid coil |5a for the valve |5 and the circuit is broken through the solenoid coil |2a forthe valve 2. From thenon, liquid carbon dioxide flows through the liquid line l0 and the line l6 into the strainer I1 and then through the water will be cooled to a lower temperature than when carbon dioxide vapors. are being withdrawn from the tank 5. i i

The carbon dioxide vapors will1flow from the heat exchanger coil 2| throughthe lines 24 and 23 to the heater coil 29 and from this coil through the line 32 to the pressure regulators in the branch lines 33. Whether the gas burner 3| will be required to further heatthese carbon dioxide vapors as they flow through the heater coil .29

will depend entirely upon the capacityof the heat' exchanger 2| to raise. the temperature of the vapors and, of course, the original temperature of the water flowing. intothe heat exchanger through the lines 35 and 35. i r r r The foregoing explanation traces out. the nor mal operation of the system to delivercarbon dioxide vapors tothe pressure regulators .34 and it will be appreciated that the pressure of the vapors delivered to the high pressure sides of the regulators will not vary over 25 pounds throughout mg coil 54. The coil'54 will function; to lower the temperature of the water to the desired'value, which we shall assume is 33 F. The water will continue to flow in this manner until the levelfin the. storage tank 5| reaches the pointwhere the float 59 will close the valve 58. At this level, the

float for the switch 6| will actuate this, switch :01- energlzing the circuit to the coal 45a otthe solenoidvalve 45. This valve will be opened and the water then will flow from the line 33 into the; by-pass. and be discharged into .a suitable drain, or the like. The float actuated switch 8|,

sufllciently to open also, will open the circuit through the lines 9|),

3|, and 92 which lead to the electric motor of the brine pump connected to the pipe lines 55. The water will be discharged through the by-pass into the drain until a suflicient amount of water has .been withdrawn from the storage tank 51 through the pipe line Gland delivered to the carbonators. to lower the level within the tank 51 the valve 58 and close the switch 6|.

In describing the solenoid valves l2 and I5, it was stated that they could be manually operated if so desired. This manual operation is provided to take careof mechanical failure, or the like, of

theimercoid switch |3a or the relay I5.

It has been ascertained that it is not absolutely essentialto employ a mercoid switch in the carbon dioxide liquid line I ll to accomplish this alternate withdrawal of vapors and liquid. If the solenoid valve I5 is dispensed with, the solenoid valve I2 in the vapor line will function to control the flow of either vapor or. liquid. When the valve I2 is open, vaporwill flow through the line 8 and no liquid will flow through the line III. This flow of only vapors results from the fact that thevapors will fiowmorereadily than will the liquid if both phases of the carbon dioxide are placed in communication with a common discharge. line. When the solenoid valve I2 is closed, in response to the pressure in the bulk storage tank 5 reaching the minimum value of 200 pounds, the how of .vapors will stop and liquid will be withdrawn from the tank.

The bank of carbon dioxide cylinders 21 isillustrated solely for the purpose of showing how this source of supply of high pressure carbon dioxide may be used to take care of anyemergency break down of the low pressure source of supply. When carbon dioxide cylinders areto be employed, the valve 25 is closed and the valves for the several cylinders 21 are opened. The gas burner 3| must be used at all times when vapors arebeing withdrawn irom the cylinders.

When the low pressure carbon dioxide supply is not being employed, the valves 42 and 44 are 'closed and the valve 48 is opened. The drinking water then flows fromth pipe line 35 through the line 41 and into the line 50 leading to the filter 5|. This water will not be cooled by passing in heat exchange relation to .low temperature carbon dioxide in the'coil 2| and for that reason the tank 51 of Fig.1.

water must be refrigerated toa greater extent ln'passing over the brine cooling coll l4.

. To overcome any possibility of aterremaining in the tube 23 of the heat exchangercoil 2i and the llnes Si, 38; and ll; the closing ot'the'water valve 42 'opens the line to the atmosphere, The

drain valve 43 is openedtoiwithdraw all water from this inactive part of the watercircuit.

The valve. in the by-pass line ll was described as a throttle valve; .This valve-is set to allow for the desired rate of flow of waterthrough the heat exchang 9 w 1 1 W8"??- 1 enteringthe coil in.

being dissipated down admin} The apparatusdisclosed-in Pig.

in Fig.1. In this system, carbon dioxidefva'liul's and liquid alternately now through thelinelfl easier a slight modification of the apparatus to mammalm, hav lnga drain I. This Q llne ill-therefore, corresponds with the line? "of the apparatus shown in Fig.1, From the" strainerlll the carbon dioxide vapors or liquid flow-- through the line "6 into the lower end of the inner tube of the heat; exchanger coll "TI.

The superheated carbon dioxide vapors leave the upper end oi the. heat exchanger coll through the line!" and flowsto'pthe branch lines ,1 controlled bythe manual 'valves|l0.- Electric heaters HIV are conn fid to the lines "5.

These heatersfunction in the samemanner as theheater ll, of Fig. 1, with its gas burner 3i.

827 V g c water through the heat exchanger coil I01. This upward flow is found to be desirable in some installations to prevent the carbon dioxide from passing too quicklythroughthe heat exchanger.

The second feature embodies the use of a medium, cooler than the drinking water going to the cooling chamber I", for first effecting heat exchange with the carbon dioxide and then efg fecting heat exchange with the drinking water. As a result of the first heat exchange, the carbon dioxide will be warmed andthe cooling medium will be rendered even cooler than it was upon Thelsecond heat exchanger, therefore, will be more'efiective than wculd-be the case if the original temperature Lthelnedium flowing through pipe I II were emplqyed-incoil H6; 1 a 1 The third feature embodies 1-.' 'Itwill. be appreciated that steam heaters might also be employed instead of the gas heat .er of Fig. 1 and the electric heaters of Fig. 4.

* In case it is necessary to resort to the use of .highpressure carbon dioxide cylinders in place From the electric heaters, the carbon dioxide vapors-fl0w to the pressure regulatdrs 2, located in thelines H3; and from these regulators tocthe carbonators. v

In this installation, the supply of source of supply of a heating fluid issubstituted andvis connected to the lower endfof the outerf tube of the heat exchanger. coil lll by the-pipe line Ill. In certain installations which have been made-the pipeline 1H is connectedltoa 2 well which yields water that-is colderthan water coming from the regular city Waterman; This cold well wateris dischargedflfremt changer coil lllihroug'h ithe line if! intoia coo drinking. .water for the carbonators' is not connected to the heat exchanger coil I01 but instead some other of theilow temperature source of supply, the branch line 126 is tapped into the carbon dioxide line NI downstream from the heat exchanger IOL; l i

.It is to be understood that the forms of this invention herewith shown and described are to be taken as preferred examples ofk the same,

and that various changes in-the shape, size, and

arrangement of parts may be resorted to without I departing .fromthe spirit of the invention or "iii thescope of the subjoined claims,

.r-" Having thus described the invention, I claim;

' V l. A'method of conditioning'and-supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintain- 1mg can He.- located'inlthe chamber 1'11. From.

the remainingend ot 'this cooling coil llfi the well water is carriedawayby the pipe line. 8

some other suitable place of use or disposal.

. and isdlssipated downxa drain or'is delivered't'o The drinking water coming from the city}- maiuis delivered to the apparatus through the pipe line H9 and, after passing through then! ters [20, is delivered to the spray headjl 2l located in this cooling chamber 1. A solenoid valve I22 controls theflow of water to the spray head HI, and this solenoldzvalve is controlled by the liquid level lnthe cold'water storagetank, not. shown,]but corresponding with the 1'0 further cool the. water delivered to the chamber H'Labrine, or other refrigerant, coil I23 is located in the chamber and. is connected drawing liquid carbon dioxide. from thesupply l until the vapor pressure infthe tankrises to a 1 predetermined maximum value as a result of heat input through the-tank" insulation-and the ab 'sence of anyflself-cooling effect, repeating the aforesaid cycle of alternately withdrawing vapors and liquid as long as carbon dioxide is being withdrawn fromthe supply to maintainthe vapor pressure in thetank between said maximum and minimum'values, passing the liquid carbon dioxide'vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to the vflow of'drinking water going to the car bonators to efiect cooling of the said water as v a result of giving up heatof vaporizationto the liquid carbon dioxide and superheating th thus formed vapor'and the vapor obtained directly I from'the tank and delivering. all 'o'fthe withto the"refrigeratingapparatusbythe lines I24,

The properly cooled water "is withdrawn mm.

' the bottom of the chamber I llthrough thepipeline I25 and is delivered to the cold water storage tank. v

It will be appreciated that' this modified ap' paratus of Fig; 4 embodies three features which differ from the apparatus disclosed in -Fig. 1. g

The first feature deals with theconcur-rent upward flow of both the carbon'dioxide and th drawn carbon dioxide to the pressure regulators of carbonators as -'superhe ated vapor at pres- I sures falling between said maximum and .minimum values.

2.'A* method offconditionin gi and Q carbon dioxide to carbonators -comprisingfniaintaining a supply of liquid carbon .dioxide.j i zibullr-' storage in a heat-insulated'tank,= withdrawing carbon dioxide vapors from :ms's ppi umu the self-cooling. effect of such withdrawal lowers the vapor-pressure the tank to a predetermined minimum value, after said minimum value has been. reached, stopping withdrawal of vapors and g the use of eiectrie heaters in place of the gas heater shown in Fig.

a, predetermined maximum value asa result of heat input through thetank insulation and the absence of any self-cooling effect, repeating the aforesaid cycle-of alternately withdrawingvapors and liquid as long as carbqndioxide is being withdrawn from the supply to maintain the vapor pressure in the tank between said maximumandminimum values, and delivering all of the withdrawn carbon dioxide to the pressure regulators of carbonators as vapor at pressures falling between said maximum and minimum values and in a superheated condition, the pressure and superheated condition of the vapor delivered to said pressure regulators being such as to prevent the freezing of any water particles which may be in the vapors as a result of the pressure drop at the regulators. Y

3. A method of conditioning and. supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, withdrawing carbon dioxidevapors from the supply until the self-"cooling effect of such withdrawal lowers the vapor pressure, in the tank to apredetermlned minimum value, after said minimum value has been reached, stopping withdrawal of vapors and withdrawing liquid carbon dioxide ,from the supply until the vapor pressure in the tank rises to a predetermined maximum value as a result of heat input through the tank insulation and the absence of anyself-cooling effect, repeating the aforesaid cycle of alternately withdrawing vapors and liquid as long as carbon dioxide is being:

withdrawn from the supply to maintain the vapor pressure in the tank between said minimum and maximum values, evaporating the liquid carbondioxide withdrawn from the source to obtain vapors, and delivering the thus formed vapors and the vapors withdrawn directly irom the source to pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between said minimum and maximum values and in a superheated condition,

the pressure and superheated condition of the vapor delivered to said pressure regulators being variations in the tank fallingbetween maximum such as to prevent the freezing of any water particles which may be inithe vaporsas a result oi the pressure drop at the regulators.

4. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulkstoragein a heat insulated tank, withdrawing carbon dioxide vapors from the supply until the self-cooling efiect of such withdrawal lowers the vapor pressure in ,thetank to a predetermined minimum value, after said minimum value has been reached, stopping withdrawal of vapors and withdrawing liquid carbon dioxide fromthesupply untilthevapor pressure in the tank rises V to a predetermined maximum value as a result of heat input through the tank insulation and the'absence of any self-cooling effect, repeating the aforesaid cycle or alternately withdrawing vapors and liquid as long as carbon dioxide is' beingwithdrawn .from the supply to-maintain the vapor pressure in the tank between said maximum and minimum values, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to the flow of drinking water going to the"carbonators to effect cooling of the said water as a result of giving up heat of vaporizafitionto theliquid carbon dioxide and superheat regulators of carbonators as superheated vapor atpressures falling between said maximum and minimum values, and refrigerating the carbon dioxide in said tank to prevent a substantial rise inzvapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum value if the amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank during any given period is not suflicient to prevent such rise.

5, A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaininga supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, withdrawing carbon' dioxide vapors from the supply until the self-coolingefi'ect of such withdrawal lowers the vapor pressure in the tank to a predetermined minimum value, after said minimum valuehas been reached, stopping withdrawal of vapors and withdrawing liquid carbon dioxide from the supply until the vapor pressure in the tank rises to a predetermined maximum value as a result of heat input through the tank insulation and the absence of any self-cooling effect, repeating theaforesaid cycle of alternately withdrawing vapors and liquid as long as carbon dioxide is being withdrawn from the supply to maintain the vapor pressure in the tank between said minimum and maximum values, evaporating the liquid carbon dioxide withdrawn from the'source to obtain vapors, delivering the thus formed vapors and the vapors withdrawn directly from the source to pressure regulate of carbonators at pressures falling between sa .i

minimum and maximum values, and refrigerating the carbon dioxide in said tank to prevent a substantialrise in vapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum value if the amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank during any given period is not sufi'icientto prevent suchrise.

6'. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure rise.

carbon dioxide to ca-rbonators comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in the'ta'nk falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range; evaporating the liquid carbon dioxide withdrawn from the source to obtain vapors, delivering the thus formed vapor and the vapor withdrawn directly from the source to the pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between said maximum and minimum values and in a superheated condition, the pressure and superheated condition of the vapor delivered to said pressure regulators being such as to prevent the freezing of any water particles '7. A method of conditioning and supplying which may be in the vapors as a result of the pressure drop at the regulators, and refrigerating the carbon dioxide in said tank :to prevent a substantial rise in vapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum value ifthe amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank is not sufiicient during any given period to prevent such rise.

8. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to'vap'or pressure variations in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and-liquid in heat exchange relation to a fluid having a sufficiently higher temperature value to give up heat of vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, and delivering the superheated vapor to the pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between the aforesaid maximum and minimum values, the pressure and superheated condition of the vapor delivered to said pressure regulators being such as to prevent the freezing of any water particles'which may be in thevapors as a result of the pressure drop at the regulators.

'9. A method of conditioning and supplyin carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relationto and concurrently upwardly with a fluid having a sufliciently higher temperature value to give up heat of vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtained directly from the tank,,and delivering the superhe'atedvapor to the pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between the aforesaid maximum and minimum vaiues'and in their superheated condition, the

pressure and superheated condition of the vapor delivered to said pressure regulators being such from the tank in response to vapor pressure. variations in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define, a, relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to the flow of drinking water going'to thecarbonators to eflect cooling of the said water as a result of giving up heat of vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and superheating the thus formed vapor'and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, and delivering the superheated vapor to the pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between the aforesaid maximum and minimum values. j

11. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaininga supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately.

withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure "variations in the tank falling'between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to a fluid having'a sufficiently higher temperature value to give up heat of vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, delivering the superheated vapor to the lators, and refrigerating the carbon dioxide in the tank to prevent a substantial rise in vapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum value if the amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank duringany given period is not sufficient to prevent such rise.

12. A method of conditioning and'supplying carbon dioxide tocarbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to the flow of drinking water going. to the carbonators to effect cooling of the said water as a result of givingup'heat of vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and superheating the thus formed vapor'and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, delivering the superheated vapor to the pressureregulators of carbonators at pressures.

falling between the aforesaid maximum and minimum values, and refrigeratingthe carbon dioxide in said tank .to prevent a substantial rise in vapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum.

value if the amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank during any given period is not sufilcient to prevent such rise.

13. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide'to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide "vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in thetank falling between maximum and minimum values which define ,a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to a fluid having a'sufliciently higher temperature value to give up heatof vaporization to the liquid car bon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, passing the thus cooled heat exchanger liquid in heat exchange relation to the flow of .drinking water going to thecarbonators, and

and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbondioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to a fluid I having a sufliciently higher temperature value to give up heat of vaporization to the liquid i carbon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtained directly from the tank, passing the thus cooled heat exchanger liquid in heat exchange relation to the flow of drinking water going to the carbonators, deliveringthe superheated carbon dioxide vapors and the drinking water to said carbonators, and

refrigerating the carbon dioxide in said tank to prevent a substantial rise in vapor pressure above the aforesaid maximum value if the amount of vapor withdrawn from the tank during any given period is not sufficient to prevent such rise.

15. Apparatus for conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising a heat insulated bulk storage tank for liquid carbon dioxide, vapor and liquid draw off lines extending from said tank, valve means, for effecting alternate withdrawal of vapor and liquid from said tank in response to variations in vapor pressure in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, a heat exchanger, means for deliver ing both the vapors and the liquid to said heat exchanger, means for delivering to said heat exchanger drinking water going to the carbonators which has a sufliciently high temperature to give up heatof vaporization to the liquid carbon dioxide and to superheat the thus formed vapor and the vapor obtaineddirectly from the tank, and pressure regulators for carbonators connected to the heat exchanger to receive the superheated vapors.

, 16. Apparatus for conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising a heat @insulated bulkstorage tank for liquid carbon dioxide, vapor and liquid draw ofl lines extendingfrom said tank, valve means for effecting alternate withdrawal of vapor and liquid from said tank through said lines in response tovariations in vapor pressure in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, a heat exchanger, means for delivering both the vapors and the liquid ,to said heat exchanger, means for passing the drinking water going to the carbonators through the heat exhanger to effect cooling of the water as a result of vaporizing the li uid carbon dioxide and toefiect superheating of, the carbon dioxide vapors, means for delivering the superheated vapors to the pressure regulators of carbonators, a water storage dioxide, vapor and liquid draw oif lines extending from said tank, valve means for effecting alternate withdrawal of vapor and liquid from said tank through said lines in response to variations in vapor pressure in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range. a heat exchanger, means for delivering both the vapors and the liquid to said heat exchanger, means for passing the drinking water going to the carbonators through the heat exchanger to effect cooling of the water as a result of vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide and to effect superheating of the carbon: dioxide vapors, means for delivering the superheated vapors to the pressure regulators of carbonators, a water storage tank, means for feeding the cooled water from the heat exchanger, to the water storage tank, means for by-passing the cooled water leaving the heat exchanger into a drain when the water storage tank is filled, means for further refrigerating the cooled water delivered to the water storage tank from the heat exchanger, means for delivering the water from the storage tank to the carbonators, and means for refrigerating the carbon dioxide in said storage tank when the vapor pressure in the tank reaches a predetermined value above the maximum value of the aforesaid narrow range.

18. Apparatus for conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising a heat insulatedbulk storage tank for liquid carbon i said tank through said lines in response to variations in vapor pressure in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, a heat exchanger, means for delivering both the vapors and theliquid to said heat exchanger, means a for passing the drinking'water going to the carbonators through the heat exchanger to effect cooling of the water as aresult of vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide, and to effect superheating of the carbon dioxide vapors, means for delivering the superheated vapors to the pressure regulators of carbonators, a water storage tank, means for feeding the cooled water from the heat exchanger to the water storage tank,

means for further refrigerating the cooled water delivered to the water storage tank from the heat exchanger, and means for delivering the water from the storage tank to the carbonators.

19. Apparatus for conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising a heat insulated bulk storage tank for liquid carbon dioxide, vapor and liquid draw oiI lines extending from said tank, valve means for effecting alternate Withdrawal of vapor and liquid from said tank through said lines in response to variations in vapor pressure in the tank'falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, a. heat exchanger, means for delivering both the vapors and the liquid to said heat exchanger, means for passing the drinking water going to the carbonators through the heat exchanger to effect the tank reaches a predetermined value above the maximum value of the aforesaid narrow range.

20. Apparatus for conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide'to carbonators,,.comprising a heat insulated bulk storage tank for iiquid carbon carbonators at falling dioxide, vapor and liquid draw oil? lines extending from said tank, valve means for efi'ecting valternatewithdrawal of vapor and liquid from said tank through said lines in response to variations in vapor pressure in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which detime a relatively narrow range, a heat exchanger, 1 sans for delivering both the vapors and the to said heat exchanger, means for passing the drinking" water going to the carbonators through the heat exchanger to efiect cooling of the water as a result of vaporizing the liquid carbon dioxide and to effect superheating of the carbon dioxide vapors, means for delivering the superheated vapors to the pressure regulators of the carbonators, a water storage tank, means for feeding the cooled water from the heat exchanger to the water storage tank, means for further refrigerating the cooled water delivered to the water storage tank from the heat exchanger, and means for delivering the water from the storage tank to the carbonators.

21. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in bulk storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in the tank falling between maximum and minizn'inn values which define a relatively narrow range, passing the carbon dioxide vapor and liquid in heat exchange relation to and concurrently upwardly with a fluid having a suffi exchange relation to the now of drinking water going to the carbonators, and delivering the aforesaid maximum and minimum val their superheated condition.

i asaaeav 22. A method of conditioning and carbon dioxide to oarbonators, compris taining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide buil: storage in a heat insulated tank, Withdrawing carbon dioxide vapors from the supply until the self-cooling eiiect of such withdrawal lowers the said minimum andmaximum values, evaporating the liquid carbon dioxide withdrawn from the source to obtain vapors, and delivering the thus formed vapors and the vapors withdrawn directly from the source to pressure regulators of carbonators at pressures falling between said minimum and maximum values,

23. A method of conditioning and supplying carbon dioxide to carbonators, comprising maintaining a supply of liquid carbon dioxide in buli:

storage in a heat insulated tank, alternately superheated vapor to the pres'sure regulators of 'withdrawing carbon dioxide vapor and liquid from the tank in response to vapor pressure variations in the tank falling between maximum and minimum values which define a relatively narrow range, and delivering all of the withdrawn carbon dioxide to the pressure regulators of carbonators as vapor at pressures falling between said maximum and minimum values.

CHARLES A. GETZ. 

